Dr. Nonkanyiso Pamella Shabalala | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of South Africa | South Africa

Dr. Nonkanyiso Pamella Shabalala (PhD) is a Lecturer in the Department of Science and Technology Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and an emerging leader in environmental education whose work aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She holds a PhD (2023), MEd (2020), B.Ed. Honours cum laude (2018), and B.Ed. (2017) from UNISA, complemented by a Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training (2012). Her doctoral research focused on distributed leadership strategies for managing environmental education in KwaZulu-Natal secondary schools, reflecting her commitment to curriculum innovation, indigenous knowledge systems, and climate change education. At UNISA, she lectures large undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, supervises MEd and PhD students, develops curricula infused with African epistemologies, and contributes to key institutional projects including Climate Change Education and Global Citizenship Education. Her professional journey also includes service as a facilitator at the Durban University of Technology and teaching roles in secondary schools under the Department of Basic Education. A recipient of multiple honors, including the 2021 UNISA Research and Innovation Competition (Social Sciences Doctoral Winner) and the 2021 UNISA Three Minute Thesis Competition (Winner), she currently holds an NRF Thuthuka grant (2024–2026). With 7 publications, , over 2 citations, an H-index of 1, national and international conference contributions, book chapters, and collaborations with scholars in Africa and the UK, Dr. Shabalala continues to advance decolonised and sustainable education through innovative research and academic citizenship.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shabalala, N. P., Hebe, H., & Mnguni, L. (2023). Characterization of curriculum leadership by South African school leaders and teachers in environmental education. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 81(3), 401–415.

Shabalala, N. P., & Gumbo, M. (2024). Africanising distributed leadership in environmental education curriculum management. Southern African Journal of Environmental Education, 39, 1–?.

Shabalala, N. P. (2019). Perceptions of teachers and learners towards the integration of environmental education in the classroom (Doctoral dissertation). PQDT-Global.

Ramulumo, M., & Shabalala, N. P. (2024). Comparing environmental literacy in STEM and non-STEM preschools: Evaluating the impact on young children’s understanding and attitudes. International Journal of Early Childhood, 1–16.

Shabalala, N. P. (2023). Environmental education as a catalyst to teach students about their economy and politics. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia Gemilang, 3(2), 306–322.

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